If you really want to become a confident speaker, say goodbye to these 10 habits

Becoming a confident speaker isn’t just about what you do, but also about what you shouldn’t do.

There are certain habits that we unintentionally adopt, which can hinder our ability to captivate an audience.

These habits can limit our confidence and the impact of our words.

If you truly want to enhance your public speaking skills, it’s time to bid adieu to these 10 habits.

In this article, I’ll unveil the habits you need to drop to become a more confident speaker.

Let’s get started.

1) Overloading with information

In the quest to deliver a powerful speech, we often end up cramming too much information in our discourse.

This habit can overwhelm your audience, leaving them confused instead of enlightened.

Public speaking isn’t about showcasing how much you know. It’s about sharing valuable insights in the most effective manner.

Remember, an audience appreciates a speaker who can convey complex ideas with simplicity.

So, if you’re aiming to become a confident speaker, start by saying goodbye to the habit of overloading your speech with excessive information.

Keep it simple, clear, and engaging. That’s the secret recipe for confident speaking!

2) Speaking too fast

I remember one particular speech I gave early in my career. I was anxious, eager to get my points across, and before I knew it, I had raced through my entire presentation in half the allotted time.

Speaking too fast is a common habit among individuals who are nervous or overly excited. However, this can make it difficult for the audience to follow your train of thought.

After that experience, I made a conscious effort to slow down, take pauses, and articulate my words clearly. Trust me, this simple change can dramatically improve your speaking skills.

So if you’re guilty of speaking at lightning speed, it’s time to say goodbye to that habit and embrace a more paced and clear speaking rhythm.

3) Neglecting body language

Body language is a powerful tool in communication. Research suggests that up to 55% of our communication is non-verbal. That’s more than half of your message being communicated without uttering a single word!

Many budding speakers focus solely on their words and overlook their body language. However, your gestures, facial expressions, and posture play a significant role in how your message is perceived.

If you want to be a confident speaker, it’s time to say goodbye to neglecting your body language. Start embracing it as an essential part of your speaking toolkit.

4) Ignoring the audience

One of the biggest mistakes I see speakers make is thinking that their speech is all about them. It’s not. It’s about the audience.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of focusing solely on your content and forgetting about the people you’re speaking to.

However, great speakers know that understanding and connecting with the audience is paramount.

If you’re aiming for confident speaking, it’s time to say goodbye to the habit of ignoring your audience. Start including them in your speech through questions, eye contact, and personal anecdotes that they can relate to.

5) Using filler words

We’ve all been guilty of using “um”, “like”, “so”, and other filler words. These words creep into our speech when we’re unsure, nervous, or simply trying to buy time to gather our thoughts.

However, excessive use of filler words can make you seem less confident and can distract your audience from your message.

So, if you’re striving to be a more confident speaker, it’s time to say goodbye to the habit of using filler words. Practice pausing when you’re unsure of what to say next – silence can be a powerful tool in public speaking.

6) Avoiding vulnerability

Many believe that to be a confident speaker, you must showcase an image of perfection. But the truth is, audiences connect more with speakers who are genuine and open about their flaws and struggles.

Avoiding vulnerability can place a barrier between you and your audience. It can make your speech seem rehearsed and inauthentic.

Embracing vulnerability, sharing personal experiences, and admitting when you don’t know something can actually boost your credibility.

So if you really want to become a confident speaker, it’s time to say goodbye to the fear of being vulnerable. Let’s start embracing our true selves on stage.

7) Relying on notes

Early in my speaking journey, I would clutch onto my notes like a lifeline. I believed that having everything written out would save me from forgetting my points or messing up.

But I soon realized that this habit was actually hindering my ability to connect with the audience. I was so focused on my notes that I wasn’t fully present in the moment.

If you want to be a confident speaker, it’s time to say goodbye to the safety net of notes. Practice your speech thoroughly and trust in your ability to deliver it. It’s okay to have key points or cues, but don’t let notes dictate your delivery.

8) Striving for perfection

In the world of public speaking, many of us fall into the trap of aiming for a flawless performance. We believe that to be a confident speaker, every word must be perfectly articulated, every pause precisely timed.

But here’s a surprising truth – perfection can actually hinder authenticity. Your audience isn’t expecting a faultless performance. They’re looking for a genuine connection and valuable insights.

So, if you’re aiming to become a confident speaker, it’s time to say goodbye to striving for perfection. Embrace the beauty of imperfection and focus on delivering a meaningful message.

9) Not practicing enough

There’s a common saying, “practice makes perfect.” While we’ve established that perfection isn’t the ultimate goal, practice is still key to becoming a confident speaker.

Without sufficient practice, you’re likely to stumble over words, forget key points, and struggle with timing.

But with practice, you get familiar with your content, your delivery improves, and most importantly, your confidence grows.

So if you want to become a confident speaker, it’s time to say goodbye to the habit of not practicing enough. Remember, preparation is the foundation of a strong delivery.

10) Not believing in yourself

The most significant barrier to becoming a confident speaker isn’t the presence of bad habits, it’s the absence of self-belief.

If you don’t believe in your ability to deliver a captivating speech, it’ll show in your body language, your voice, and your words.

So, if you want to become a truly confident speaker, it’s time to say goodbye to self-doubt. Believe in yourself and others will believe in you too.

Final words: Confidence is a journey

The art of public speaking is deeply intertwined with the journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

Each one of us possesses a unique voice, a unique message, and an unique style of delivery. The key to becoming a confident speaker isn’t about emulating others, but about embracing and refining our own strengths.

Remember the words of Dale Carnegie, “There are always three speeches, for every one you actually gave. The one you practiced, the one you gave, and the one you wish you gave.”

The journey towards confident speaking is filled with trials and errors, improvements and setbacks. But with every speech you give, with every habit you bid adieu to, you’re one step closer to the speaker you aspire to be.

So as you embark on this journey, remember that confidence isn’t just about the absence of fear or the elimination of bad habits. Confidence is about believing in your ability to grow, to learn, and to make a difference with your words.

It’s time for us all to speak up, speak out, and let our voices be heard.